Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Liverpool, AC Milan, Premier League
Josh Lawless
Florian Wirtz made his Liverpool debut on Saturday and a compilation of his display has got fans talking online.
Wirtz became Liverpool's record signing earlier this summer, joining in an £116 million switch from Bayer Leverkusen in a huge statement of intent from the Premier League champions.
The Germany international, who penned a contract until 2030, made his first appearance in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre and had fans salivating watching the highlights.
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Wirtz and his Liverpool teammates stepped up their preparations for the new campaign with a friendly against AC Milan in Hong Kong as part of a two-game trip to Asia.
But the Reds were beaten 4-2, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo on target and Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor (2) finding the net for the Rossoneri.
With new £79 million striker Hugo Ekitike not ready for an appearance and Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz not in the squad, Wirtz lined up as a false nine for the clash.
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The 22-year-old played 45 minutes and demonstrated his signature drop of the shoulder in between the lines but did not manage a goal or assist despite 91% pass accuracy and 1/2 dribbles completed.
However, his showing was met by mixed reactions by fans online - with some impressed and others not convinced after one game.
One fan on X commented: "Florian Wirtz, I’m standing up and applauding."
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But another said: "Is this a fail comp."
A third wrote: It’s ok I guess, nothing super impressive tho."
A fourth stated: "This comp was made to make him look good and I see nothing impressive."
A final person disagreed, adding: The quality of his first touch is mad. Literally never messes it up and always sets himself up for the next action."
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Liverpool stars have been impressed by Wirtz' quality, with Ryan Gravenberch hailing the 22-year-old's ability.
"I think everyone knows Florian and also here in training he is a really good player: technical, really good vision," said the Dutchman.
"So I am really happy that he is here and I can't wait for the season to start also to play with him."
Liverpool return to action on Wednesday when they take on Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.